Medical Marijuana States

The use of marijuana within the confines of one of the medical marijuana states affords an individual with certain rights and privileges. However, in the United States, it is important to understand that medical marijuana is treated very differently on the federal vs. the state level.

Federal law criminalizes the use of marijuana by way of the 'Controlled Substances Act'. The Act classifies marijuana as a schedule 1 drug; the same classification as Heroine and LSD.

On the state level, there are 23 states that have legalized marijuana for medical use while all 50 states currently have criminal laws that relate to marijuana, its use, production, transportation and sale. Only 2 states, Washington and Colorado, have legalized marijuana use for recreational purposes.

Click on a state (below) for detailed information on that state's medical marijuana laws or scroll down for a more detailed summary of the medical marijuana states also with links to detailed information on each states MMj laws.

*Click here to navigate to a detailed overview of the U.S. Medical Marijuana States or just scroll down.

In 1996, California passed the 'Compassionate Use Act of 1996'. This was the first time a medical marijuana law had ever been passed in the United States. These new California medical marijuana laws were a massive statement by the voters. The tide had finally turned in favor of accepting the use of cannabis for its medical benefits - at least from the perspective of the state and its laws and institutions. A qualified patient in California no longer had to worry about the criminal aspect of the California marijuana laws. The 'golden state' had made a daring move.

The result of the Compassionate Use Act of 1996 was the addition of California State Code Section 11362.5 to the California Health & Safety Code.

For the lucky millions who live in California, the law was finally ON THEIR SIDE. Laws were on the books giving patients 'rights' and protecting them from discrimination. Big things were now beginning to happen - and more states would soon follow California's lead.

The next BIG day in the history of US medical marijuana legislation was November 3rd, 1998. For it was on this momentous day that the US states Alaska, Oregon and Washington all passed their own versions of medical marijuana legislation.

Over the short 15 years that have passed by since we heard the collective voice of California voters on the subject of MMj, more than 22 other states have joined in, and passed, MMj legislation, either by will (and vote) of the people or via the votes of the state senate or house.

The result... an ever increasing and doggedly determined group of medical marijuana states that are taking a stand for the rule of law and the will of the people. The right for a 'patient' to finally make their own educated and balanced decisions about their personal medical care.

The future of state medical marijuana legislation is RIGHT NOW and the person that can make a huge difference by just participating in the process is YOU!!

A link to each medical marijuana state can be found in the table above. Just click on a state and you will be taken to that states medical marijuana page. Additionally, new state law information will always be posted to the MMj Blog every time something new happens or an important change has occurred.